Review of Traditionally Yours

“Piano maestro/producer Bill King is setting the bar high with his “piano and voice” series of albums for Slaight Music. Following on from fine releases by Gavin Hope and Selena Evangeline, he collaborates with famed tenor star John McDermott on Traditionally Yours. As the title suggests, it features versions of much-loved Irish and Scottish classics. ”

I get the nicest letters…

Dear Mr. McDermott:

We are writing to thank you so much for your concert. We really enjoyed your music and your funny stories. We laughed a lot! Thank you for taking the time to meet and talk to us before your show. It was exciting for us! Thank you for the autographed CD’s and especially for dedicating the Charlie Brown song to us. It made us feel so special. We hope we can see you in concert again! Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!!!

New Music for Christmas

Just in time for Christmas I’ve released three albums, now available in the store:

The Contender

A great collection of songs I’ve been hoarding for 20 years, all packaged in a handsome, boxing-styled package in honour of the great song and story Jack Doyle (The Contender). Look him up! Songs include: The Dark Island, I’m a Freeborn Man, Black Is the Colour, Quiet Desperation, Come by the Hills, Along the French River, John O’dreams, Jack Doyle (the Contender), and Grey Lake of Loughrea.

Traditionally Yours

Jazz great Bill King came to me to collaborate on some of the finest old Irish and Scottish songs ever written, loaded with nostalgia and fond memories – and accompanied by Bill’s haunting piano work. Songs include: Cockles and Mussels, The Dark Island, Carrickfergus, Down By The Sally Gardens, Broom O’ The Cowdenknowes, When You Were Sweet Sixteen, Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral, Leaving Of Liverpool, Oft In The Stilly Night, Flower Of Scotland, My Wild Irish Rose, A Little Bit Of Heaven, and When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.

Daughter of Mine (The Perfect Wedding Album)

Daughter of Mine has long been a favourite with folks, for weddings and family occasions, but was only previously available on a six song EP disc. I decided that there were other songs of mine that complimented the wedding theme and so we updated the music and artwork to make it the perfect compliment to someone’s special day. Songs include: Daughter of Mine, Postcards from Paris, Guardian Angel, Friend Like You, Voyage, When I Grow Too Old to Dream, Here, There and Everywhere, All the Diamonds, And I Love You So, As Time Goes By, Put Your Dreams Away, and This Is All I Ask.

All three are now available for purchase in the store, and should also be on iTunes by week’s end. Merry Christmas and enjoy!

Four CDs for $40

And one more thing – know anyone who doesn’t need some new Christmas music? Here’s your chance to give – four of my CDs now for $40, until December 12th. The four CDs are: The Old House – my long-time musical director and I team up on some great new and old songs; Christmas Memories – a collection of the yuletide traditions and stories of my youth; How Great Thou Art – which brings together favourite hymns of mine and my mother’s with the great Eric Robertson; and the just re-issued Daughter of Mine (see above).

John

Me and “Big Papi”, David Ortiz

Shocked and Saddened

I’m shocked and saddened by the recent attacks on the members of our Canadian Armed Forces in both Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario.

Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent

We owe so much to the brave men and women who protect our country, and it is devastating to know that they are threatened here at home as well.

Our thoughts and prayers are with both of the victims and their families, as well as our first responders who rushed to the scene to provide aid to these fallen soldiers and protect our elected officials.

Kevin Vickers, sargeant-at-arms

I want to thank the courageous men and women of the many security forces who risk their lives to keep Canadians safe today.

– John

UPDATE: There’s now a fundraising campaign in progress for the victims families.

The fund was initiated by a group of citizens who were moved by the deaths of the two soldiers and wanted to do something to honour their memory. In particular, Chad Rogers from Crestview Strategy

Canadians have embraced the opportunity and it quickly became apparent that the fund would grow beyond what the group had anticipated, and they thought it was important to align with a trusted brand to assure the families and the public that the fund would be used ethically and for its intended purpose, and they therefore approached True Patriot Love Foundation.

The original goal for the fund was $100K. It now stands at more than $350K and a new goal has been set at $500K.

Traditionally Yours

Well we’ve done it: completed our recording of Traditionally Yours, some of the finest old Irish and Scottish songs ever written, loaded with nostalgia and fond memories. The recording of this collection was truly a pleasure for me and to work with Bill made it that much more special. I hope you enjoy the intimacy and the memories that I am sure will be brought back as you sit back and listen to these wonderful old gems from our traditional musical past.

Coming soon to iTunes and compact disc.

June 12, 2014

A Special Concert to benefit A Safe Haven Foundation, 100 Club of Chicago, and Friends of McDermott House

A Family Christmas Concert with John McDermott and Friends
Holy Family Church
1080 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL
December 10th, 2014 – 7:30pm

A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that partners with public/private entities to help people aspire, transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root causes of homelessness through a holistic, scalable mode. A Safe Haven’s visible social and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable communities.

The 100 Club of Chicago is a non-profit organization that provides for the surviving spouses and children of law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics who lose their lives in the line of duty. This includes all federal, state, county and local sworn personnel stationed in Cook County. Thousands of brave men and women risk their lives daily so that we can be safe and secure in our homes, workplaces and communities. While money can never replace the loss of a loved one, funds can be extremely helpful in easing the financial burden associated with the tragic event. Beyond financial assistance, the 100 Club’s network of members and friends care deeply about the families’ sacrifices and offer many forms of appreciation and support.

Campaign launched for a statue in honour of John McCrae to mark the Centenary of the writing of ‘In Flanders Fields’

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, artillery officer, physician and poet, wrote “In Flanders Fields” at the height of the Second battle of Ypres, one of the most bitter battles of WWI, on May 3rd 1915.

A $350,000 Fundraising Campaign for the statue to be erected in Ottawa, is an initiative of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and its Association.

All Canadians can help to ensure that this iconic Canadian, his work and sacrifice are remembered on the centenary of the writing of “In Flanders Fields” on May 3rd 2015.

President’s Choice Financial® and PC® Insurance are proud to support John McDermott’s Canadian Tour and McDermott House in its efforts to promote the highest quality of living for veterans, military and first responders in Canada.

For the past 16 years, PC Financial® and PC® Insurance have been committed to supporting the communities we serve and continues to welcome opportunities to collaborate with organizations and initiatives that enrich the lives of Canadians.